The Sultanate of Oman observed World Blood Donor Day on June 14, underscoring the critical role of voluntary blood donations in healthcare and encouraging a culture of regular giving. The annual event highlights the lifesaving contributions of donors and the importance of maintaining a steady blood supply to support medical treatment.

Dr. Khalid bin Said al Habsi, Senior Consultant Haematologist and Transfusion Medicine Specialist and Head of the Blood Bank Services Department in Bausher, reported a significant increase in blood donations over the past five years. Between 2020 and 2025, the volume of collected blood units rose from 28,613 to 42,023, marking a 47 percent growth. This rise reflects heightened public awareness of the importance of blood donation within the population.

According to Dr. al Habsi, many donors in Oman have made more than 50 donations, with some individuals having contributed as many as 300 times. The Blood Bank Services Department is chiefly responsible for supplying blood to hospitals and health institutions in the Muscat Governorate, with occasional support extended to other regions in the country. The department currently distributes over 4,000 blood units monthly, averaging about 140 units daily, thereby ensuring continuous and efficient treatment services for patients.

Dr. al Habsi emphasized the particular need for rare blood types, noting that type O negative—recognized as the universal donor blood type—is among the most critical for emergency cases. Negative blood types represent approximately 5 percent of all donors. To guarantee the safety and suitability of the blood supply, all collected units undergo rigorous laboratory testing for infectious diseases, including hepatitis B and C, HIV, malaria, and syphilis. The use of advanced DNA testing technology across all blood banks helps maintain the highest standards for blood safety.

The expansion in blood donations and ongoing efforts to improve screening and testing highlight Oman’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the availability of safe, life-saving blood supplies throughout the country.